Prince William attended Pope Francis’ funeral without his wife, Kate Middleton, on Saturday.
The Prince of Wales, 42, was photographed entering St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Italy, where the religious figure was remembered by the College of Cardinals, surrounded by other world leaders.
Middleton’s absence was notable, given that other dignitaries’ spouses — including Melania Trump and Dr. Jill Biden — were present for the religious ceremony alongside their respective husbands, President Trump and former President Joe Biden.
However, the Princess of Whales, 43, did not make it to the funeral, as it’s reportedly not customary for a British royal’s other-half to be required to attend.
In 2005, then-Prince Charles went to Pope John Paul II’s funeral solo — even though he was set to wed Camilla Parker Bowles the day after the service.
According to Town and Country, Middleton — who completed her cancer treatment just last September — has been cautious about which public events she goes to.
The mom of three is reportedly expected to make her first public appearance in five weeks this upcoming Wednesday, for a two-day visit to the Scottish Isles.
William, meanwhile, was at Pope Francis’ memorial, as he had to attend on behalf of his father, King Charles III, and the rest of the British royal family.
Charles, 76, missed the ceremony in accordance with Buckingham Palace’s protocol and precedence, which mandates that the reigning monarch not attend funerals.
Francis died Monday at age 88 as a result of a stroke. The news came after his months-long battle with double pneumonia.
“His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, said in a statement announcing the pontiff’s death.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized,” Farrell continued.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the Triune God.”
Charles, who had met with the pope during a state visit to Italy earlier this month, also reflected on Francis’ legacy Monday, remembering his “compassion” and “concern for the unity of the church.”
“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world,” the king, who is battling cancer, said in a statement.
“Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”
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